A distributed parameter model for the dynamics of flexible-link robots

Abstract

In this paper a model is developed for kinematic and dynamic analysis of flexible robots undergoing general three-dimensional motion. For modeling robotic links, distributed mass and flexibility are considered without discretization. Some modeling issues are discussed, and parameters characterizing the real design of a robot are introduced into the analysis. The concept of a fictitious rigid link is presented to consider the rigid body motion of a link separately, and to account for possibly complex link shapes. Based on Jourdain's principle, an alternative formulation is proposed to derive the dynamic equations of flexible robots. The equations of motion are developed and analyzed in detail. The vibrations of links are described by linear, inhomogeneous partial differential equations, with homogeneous, nonlinear, time-dependent boundary conditions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.